Jon Cave is the artist responsible for the piece you see above. If you like the look of the artwork then you can actually download it as a full on wallpaper over on the link above.

Freeborn Soldiers

As well as the artwork there are some actual models too. This time the focus is on the Freeborn who not only get their own Starter Set but also a few different sets including the Command Squad and Vardanari…

These are probably some of the best looking models in the Gates of Antares range so far. I really like their regular troopers and the Command Squad looks brilliant too. I could see this being a very popular army for people to pick up and I would warrant that they would pop up in whatever two player starter set Warlord do.

What do you think?

"These are probably some of the best looking models in the Gates of Antares range so far..."

No doubt Warlord are hoping that people like me will get into their miniatures lines too. I’m hoping that they don’t produce miniatures that are much more appealing than the current lot and/or much cheaper, as I could do without another game system to support!

I do quite like most of the miniatures I’ve seen – they do have that old school vibe. But the metals have been a lot more expensive than I’m willing to pay. To tempt me they either need to be significantly cheaper or significantly ‘better’.

I really loved the Algoryn concept art and early WIP pics but when I saw the release versions I was rather disappointed. However now that I have several squads myself I can see the detail and quality of the sculpture and casting are excellent. In my opinion the official painted armies are not doing the figures justice.

Very nice models for the Freeborn there. From the thread, it seems clear that a lot of people intend to go for a more Fremen look for this faction rather than the blue colour scheme shown here, and I must admit that I would count myself amongst them.

And it is undeniably true that the artwork shown here is a clear homage to a certain piece of classic Rogue Trader era art and, as maledrakh says, that is very much a calculated move on the part of Warlord to appeal to longstanding 40K gamers.